265/70R15 vs 235/75R16

235/75R16 is 0.27 in (6.9 mm) taller than 265/70R15, a +0.92% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 265/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is 60.6 mph on 235/75R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.92%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 235/75R16 is a near match for 265/70R15; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.

265/70R15 vs 235/75R16 differences
Measurement	265/70R15	235/75R16	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	29.61 in (752.0 mm)	29.88 in (758.9 mm)	+0.27 in (+6.9 mm)	+0.92%
Sidewall height	7.30 in (185.5 mm)	6.94 in (176.3 mm)	−0.36 in (−9.2 mm)	−4.99%
Section width	10.43 in (265.0 mm)	9.25 in (235.0 mm)	−1.18 in (−30.0 mm)	−11.32%
Circumference	93.01 in (2,362.5 mm)	93.86 in (2,384.2 mm)	+0.85 in (+21.7 mm)	+0.92%
Revolutions per mile	681	675	−6	−0.91%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 265/70R15
Indicated	Actual on 265/70R15	Actual on 235/75R16	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.3 mph	+0.3 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.6 mph	+0.6 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	75.7 mph	+0.7 mph

Ride-height change: 235/75R16 raises the vehicle by 0.14 in (3.4 mm) at the axle (half the +6.9 mm diameter difference).

235/75R16 is 0.27 in taller than 265/70R15 and 30 mm narrower, a 0.92% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 265/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.6 mph on 235/75R16, and revolutions per mile change from 681 to 675.

235/75R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 265/70R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 265/70R15

Other comparisons with 235/75R16

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified 2026-09-27. How these numbers are calculated.